Why were the civilizations we study in social studies so successful? What characteristics of each civilization is important to study?

Good geography made the area a good spot to settle. The geography allowed the civilization to be sucessful Most settled in an area that has a good water source. (Rivers, Seas, Ocean Coasts, Lakes, etc.) Geography also allowed good trade, transportation, and protection.

Civilizations are capable of producing many goods and trade them. Have easy transportation. Can trade over a large area. Develop good relationships with other areas.

The Silk Road

Cotton Largest producers: US, China, and India

Wheat Bread, cereal, deserts, etc. Wheat is also used in flour, which is one of the most popular cooking ingredients

Corn “Yellow Gold” A large amount of the world’s corn is grown in the United States; around 80 million acres are dedicated for its production Corn will in time become a relevant source of alternative energy.

Sugar Sugar is found in the vast majority of snack and junk food and most countries in the world trade in this commodity. Majority comes from Brazil

Silver Aesthetic Usage, Silver investors and Industrial usage

Brent Oil Used mostly in Europe and Africa Found in Norway and the North Sea

Gold Has always been a highly traded commodity It is rare Many try to trade it for cash. Many invest in gold.

Natural Gas Main exporters are Norway and Russia Used in everyday life Cooking and heating Price is always fluctuating

Coffee Mostly consumed in Europe and the United States Over 2.25 billion cups are consumed a day

Crude Oil Most producers are in the Middle East Used to fuel cars, boats, and many machinery used everywhere. Transported to refineries via pipelines and then shipped by tankers to countries all over the world.

All civilizations that became and held power had a lot of Resources to trade. The geography of the land provided the resources to succeed.

All civilizations have a strong government or leader Kings, Queens, Pharaoh, Emperor, Senate, President, etc. However, many powerful civilizations came to an end because of bad government or leaders.

Tyranny-government ruled by a tyrant or absolute ruler. Republic-a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them Aristocracy-government by the best individuals or by a small privileged class. Or a governing body or upper class usually made up of a hereditary nobility Democracy-government where the power is with the people. Oligarchy-a form of government in which all power is vested in a few persons or in a dominant class Monarchy-Government is run by a king or queen. Theocracy-Type of government where the religious leader is also the governmental leader. Or where the leader believes they have a direct connection with god

What are the roles of men? What are the roles of women? Can women rule, work, or vote?

From the beginning of human life every civilization has shown evidence of a religion or faith. Monotheistic- Belief in one god Polytheistic-Belief in many goods Theocracy? How powerful were the

Every civilization has developed it own way to communicate. Developed alphabet or written language. Could everyone read or write? Who could?

What lasting effects did the civilization have? Develop New War Tactic New Religion Architecture Governmental Style Trade Routes ?????